Boat at Polly Woodside

About this space

Polly Woodside is a restored 1885 iron-hulled cargo vessel preserved as a museum ship. Its defining character is the intact multi-deck ship fabric that visitors move through.

Design: The interior is raw and functional, with exposed timber beams, painted iron frames, low headroom, visible rigging and belaying pins. Narrow passageways and layered decks create compact, enclosed volumes punctuated by shafts of natural light.

Features: Polly Woodside runs guided tours and scheduled family programmes and supports a PA system; hosts may play their own music. The ship's layout comprises layered decks and narrow circulation that shape how groups move through the vessel. Onsite facilities include public toilets, a small retail area for souvenirs and occasional food kiosks.

Ideal for: The ship suits families and small educational groups seeking an informal, hands-on exploratory experience across compact historic spaces.

What guests say: The ship's family-focused programming is engaging for children and provides hands-on learning opportunities. The restored interiors, especially the captain's cabin and below-deck cargo areas, are interesting parts to explore.

Capacity

• Standing

  up to 300
• Dining

  up to 100
• Theatre

  up to 100

Catering and drinks

Facilities

• PA system / speakers Venue provides a sound system for music and announcements
• Natural light Room has windows or a skylight, so daylight comes in
• Unavailable: Wi-Fi available Wi-Fi available
• Unavailable: Projector Projector
• Unavailable: Flatscreen TV Flatscreen TV
• Unavailable: Whiteboard Whiteboard
• Unavailable: Flipchart Flipchart
• Unavailable: Conference call facilities Conference call facilities
• Unavailable: Air conditioner Air conditioner
• Unavailable: Storage space Storage space
• Unavailable: Quiet space Quiet space
• Unavailable: Accommodation is available on-site Accommodation is available on-site
• Unavailable: Parking available Parking available

Music & sound equipment

• Play your own music Venue allows playing your own music
• Bring your own DJ not allowed
• No noise restrictions